Newbie fisherman - dad taking his boys out tomorrow.

[mojotele]

Hi I just joined this forum and I must say that I'm learning a lot just by reading this forum but I thought I would post, first off, just to introduce myself here and also to get some newbie questions answered if possible.

I grew up on Long Island and used to go out of moriches for fluke with my dad and then I took one trip on a party boat out of montauk on the Viking about 7 years ago.

I decided to talk one of the party boats out of Atlantic Highlands for a 2-6:30 trip with my 21 and 12 year old son. I have it ingrained in my head that to go fishing you must get out on the water at dawn but with the weather being what it is and my living over an hour away I've opted for the afternoon trip. I'm assuming that both the party boats I've seen available there (sea  Hawk or Atlantic Star) are pretty good. Hard for me to pick one over the other.

Some questions:

Is there really a better time of day to fish. Do people bag substantially less fish in the afternoons verses dusk and dawn?

I've been reading about bait. Should I expect to find whatever I need at the dock in terms of bait or does the party boat normally supply bait? I'm renting rods obviously.

Is there a limit (if we actually get lucky) on catching Fluke? I think last time I went out on the Viking there was a 5 fish per person limit.

Is there anything (thinking non-tacklebox) I should bring that would make the trip more enjoyable that most people forget? Towels? Food?

Even if we don't catch anything, I'm looking forward to spending time with my son's. Thanks, Mojo

[ped579]

Welcome Aboard MOJO,

Well first thanks for the intro, many people forget that and jump right in with the questions. (TRS... )...

As far as the boats to go out on I have had the pleasure of going out on the Sea Hawk and can give them 2 thumbs up.  They will have all you need on board.  Polls, bait, tackle you name it they will have it for you and your sons.  They have a limited food stuffs on board so bring snacks or whatever.

Things to bring, towels are good, if the weather looks iffy rain gear would be good,  be sure to tip the mates and one important thing a cold cooler to bring your catch home in.

As far as the limits here is the NJ State DEP's 2009 regs.

://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/pdf/2009/maregsum09.pdf

I hope this helps and I hope you have a great day out on the water...

Happy Catching

Paul

[Pfishingruven]

 

Welcome !  You will get a lot of GREAT information here.  Honest reports and honest help from anyone here.

As for boats, the Sea Hawk runs out of Perth Amboy, which is farther north of Atlantic Highlands.  If you are driving into Jersey, Perth Amboy is a bit closer.  

People catch fish all times of the day. Although, morning trips may be slightly preferred, I think weather conditions, winds, tides, and currents affect the trips more. There have certainly been afternoon trips where the reports of catching were better than the morning.  Of course, morning trips usually have less boat traffic, etc...which can make things easier.  Fish move around.  They can be there one minute and gone the next, no matter what time of day it is.  However, if you can only get out for the afternoon trips...still go. You will regret not going fishing when you can.

I would definitely bring a cooler, drinks and food, sun screen, a towel or two to wipe your bait hands on and any other comfort items you may want(hat, sunglasses, etc...).  The boats will set you up with everything you will need to fish, basically!

Wherever you go, have a great time with your boys.  It will be a trip you never forget and one you will probably repeat, over and over again.  Fishing is exactly that...FISHING, having good times and making great memories. If you catch, that is certainly a bonus, but either way it is time well spend.

Good luck and enjoy!

[Luna Sea 5]

welcome

[CapBob]

Mojo

Welcome to the sight......glad to have you aboard.

The NJ reg for Fluke is 6 fish at 18"

Both boats you mentioned are good boats as are several others in AH......the mates will be more than glad to help you out.

Party Boats supply some , bait but a lot of sharpies bring their own,  they have limited tackle for sale(rigs) if you want to use Spros, Gulp minnows etc bring your own.....

Bring a small cooler with your food, drinks and to put your catch in......sunscreen, hats, hand towels.

As far as when to go, a lot depends on tide/conditions.....your day trips will give you more time fishing and this time of year the thunder storms roll through in the afternoon.

Hope it helps, good luck to you and the boys, catch em up.....

[Hotrod]

Welcome Mojoe.  Great Post
I'd have to say hit the Seahawk
But look here first, Looks like he's Chartered.
http://njsaltwaterfisherman.com/forums/index.php?topic=12911.0;topicseen

Also here are the full regs.2009 NJ Saltwater Fishing Regulations

And Yes Nothing better than spending time with family and friends on the water...  Catching or not

Bring the Camera.  We want pictures and a Full Report 

[PeggyLee]

Welcome and Good Luck.Fishing with your family is already a Keeper day.